Snow and ice removing system for sidewalks and similar

ABSTRACT

The present invention related to a system to remove snow and ice from a surface. The system transports hot steam from pre-existing underground steam pipes or the steam producing devices directly onto the grate on the surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/005,982 filed Sep. 18, 2013, entitled, SYSTEM FOR CLEARING SNOW AND ICE FROM PAVEMENTS AND SIMILAR, pending, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, which is a US national stage entry of PCT/EC2012/000019 filed Mar. 23, 2012, under the International Convention, which claimed priority over Argentinean Patent Application No. 20110101121 filed Apr. 1, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to a system for removing snow, ice, or frost from surfaces having pedestrian traffic, for example, sidewalks, crosswalks, bridges, roadways, bus stops, parking lots, driveways, and/or pathways. More specifically, to a system for melting snow lying on a surface by utilizing the hot steam generated by conventional underground pipes already located in some cities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various methods have been employed in order to remove the snow and ice in high traffic areas and surfaces, such as walkways, sidewalks, bus stops, and roadways. One of the known methods is to manually shovel the snow to the sides of the surface. Unfortunately, this method requires the patron or user to not only shovel snow, but also to deposit salt, sand, or other traction promoting materials used by authorities to provide traction for roads.

Another known method to remove and/or melt the snow lying on high traffic areas and surfaces is by scattering water or anti-freezing agent over the surface or by raising the temperature of the surface with the help of boiled-water pipes or electric heating wires buried under the surface. Unfortunately, these methods are costly in view of the high amount of water and/or heat needed to melt the snow or ice. Furthermore, when using water for melting the snow, the combination of water, melting snow, and the deposited traction promoting materials on the road may clog the street drainage system producing a flood, which may cause material damages to owners or patrons.

Thus, there is a need for a system that effectively prevents snow, ice, or frost from forming on high traffic areas, especially in big cities, at a reasonable cost and without causing material damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system to remove snow and ice from a surface comprising:

a plurality of chambers located underground aligned with a street grate located on the surface; a heat conducting conduit connected to each chamber, each heat conducting conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to the grate; a pipe connected to each chamber, each pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground hot steam pipe or a pre-existent hot steam producing device, each heat conducting conduit transports hot steam from the chamber directly onto the grate on the surface; the chamber includes a housing; a cover located on a top end of the housing; a plurality of holes located on the cover; an inlet port located on the housing and in fluid communication with the first end of the pipe; an outlet port located on the housing and connected to the first end of the heat conducting conduit, the outlet port allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the surface; and a valve operatively connected to the housing, the valve is activated by a user to selectively open and close the inlet port to fill out the chamber with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe or the steam producing device; the system is located underground of the surface.

A system to remove snow and ice from a surface, including a plurality of chambers located underground aligned with a street grate located on the surface; a heat conducting conduit connected to each chamber, each heat conducting conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to the grate; a pipe connected to each chamber, each pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground steam pipe or a pre-existent steam producing device, each heat conducting conduit transports hot steam from the chamber directly onto the grate on the surface; the chamber includes a housing; a cover located on a top end of the housing; a plurality of holes located on the cover; an inlet port located on the housing and in fluid communication with the first end of the pipe; an outlet port located on the housing and connected to the first end of the heat conducting conduit, the outlet port allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the surface; a valve operatively connected to the housing, the valve is activated by a user to selectively open and close the inlet port to fill out the chamber with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe or the steam producing device; and a collecting pipe running below the grate, the collecting pipes may collect and transport the melted snow and/or water into storage; the system is located underground of the surface.

A system to remove snow and ice from a surface including a plurality of chambers located underground aligned with a street grate located on the surface; a heat conducting conduit connected to each chamber, each heat conducting conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to the grate; a pipe connected to each chamber, each pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground steam pipe or a pre-existent steam producing device, each heat conducting conduit transports hot steam from the chamber directly onto the grate on the surface; the chamber includes a housing; a cover located on a top end of the housing; a plurality of holes located on the cover; an inlet port located on the housing and in fluid communication with the first end of the pipe; an outlet port located on the housing and connected to the first end of the heat conducting conduit, the outlet port allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the surface; a valve operatively connected to the housing, the valve is activated by a user to selectively open and close the inlet port to fill out the chamber with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe or the steam producing device; and at least one hot steam dispensing housing, each one of the hot steam dispensing housing is located above the corresponding grate on the surface, each hot steam dispensing housing includes a steam meter, an on/off switch to control the flow of hot steam, a hose connector, hoses, and a light indicator; the hoses connect onto the hose connector to distribute the hot steam from the heat conducting conduit onto the surface; the system is located underground of the surface.

The goal of the invention is to improve the lifestyle of citizens through a low cost, by using resources that are already in use today.

The system, according to the present invention, works with the steam network system that the city already has for the underground transportation system. But, as another embodiment, the present invention may work with the boiler networks of houses, buildings, stores, and industries that are already in use for central heating or electricity. It can be turned into power to serve machines.

The way in which this and other objectives and advantages of the invention are reached will be explained in the description that follows. This will be an example, with the preferred accomplishments of the invention, and also with the pictures that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a snow and ice removing system according to an embodiment of the present invention showing the system underground;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the snow and ice removing system of FIG. 2 shown installed underground;

FIG. 3A is a front view of a chamber according to the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the chamber according to the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a front view of a perforated metal cover for the chamber according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a steam dispensing housing according to the present invention showing the housing in a closed position; and

FIG. 4B is a front view of the steam dispensing housing of FIG. 4A showing the housing in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a snow and ice removing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 may be installed underground the surface 18 to be treated. The system 10 may include a plurality of chambers 25 strategically located underground, preferably underneath of a standard grate 20 commonly used on the surface 18; a heat conducting conduit 30 connected to each chamber 25, each heat conducting conduit 30 having a first end 31 in fluid communication with the chamber 25 and a second end 32 adapted to be connected to the grate 20 located on a surface 18; a pipe 33 connected to each chamber, each pipe 33 having a first end 34 connected to the chamber 25 and a second end 35 adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground steam pipe 40 or a pre-existent steam producing device (not shown). Each heat conducting conduit 30, as seen best in FIG. 2, may transport hot steam stored in the chamber 25 directly onto the grate 20 associated with the surface 18 having snow or ice to be melted 12. The surface 18 may be located near a high traffic area where vehicles 22 circulate.

The pre-existent hot steam producing device may be, for example, the boiler network of houses 70, buildings 70, stores 70, and industries 70 that are already in use for central heating or electricity. In addition, the pre-existent hot steam producing device may be, for example, a hot air producing device such as a air heater.

Surfaces 18 that may be cleaned with the system 10 of the present invention may include any surface that is subject to icing or snow buildup, and particularly surfaces having pedestrian traffic, for example, sidewalks, crosswalks, bridges, roadways, bus stops, parking lots, driveways, and/or pathways.

The chamber 25 may be filled as needed with the hot steam or hot air transported by the pipe 33 from the pre-existing underground hot steam pipe 40 or a pre-existent hot steam producing device (not shown). The chamber 25 may be capable of holding sufficient hot steam or hot air to adequately melt the snow or ice associated with the surface 18 to be cleaned. The size and capacity of the chamber 25 may be selected based on the available space for the chamber 25, the surface area to be cleaned, the size of the pre-existing underground steam pipe 40 or a steam producing device. The chamber 25 may be constructed of a rigid, heat resistant material, such as concrete, stainless, or galvanized steel.

As seen best in FIGS. 3A-3C, the chamber 25 includes a housing 24, a cover 27 located on the top end of the housing, a plurality of holes 28 located on the cover 27; an inlet port 36 located on the housing 24 and in fluid communication with the first end 34 of the pipe 33; an outlet port 37 located on the housing and connected to the first end 31 of the heat conducting conduit 30, the outlet port 37 allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber 25 and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the associated surface 18; and a valve 26 operatively connected to the housing 24. The valve 26 allows a user 29 to selectively open and close the inlet port 36 to fill out the chamber 25 with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe 40 or the steam producing device.

In one embodiment, the valve 26 may include a lockable cap (not shown) to prevent unauthorized access to the valve 26.

In one embodiment, the pipe 33 may include a bend 38; thus, the hot steam enters the chamber 25 at an angle, which creates a vortex effect inside the chamber 25.

The cover 27 may be made of a heat conducting material, for example, a metal. The cover 27 includes a plurality of holes 28. The plurality of holes 28 are placed on the cover 27 forming a pattern that specifically matches the shape of the heat conducting conduit 30 but at the same time also the pattern that fits inside the contour of the shape of the heat conducting conduit 30.

The heat conducting conduit 30 may a tube, pipes, or other hollow channels that are in fluid communication between the chamber 25 and the grate 20 on the surface 18. The heat conducting conduit 30 may be made of a rigid, a flexible, or a combination of a rigid and flexible material. The heat conducting conduit 30 may be made of any heat conductive material, for example, steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, or a heat conductive alloy. There are a variety of ways for selectively controlling the flow of hot steam through the heat conducting conduit 30 in order to melt different surfaces 18.

The valve 26 may be, for example, a manually adjustable valve or an automatically adjustable valve. The valve 26 may be a ball valve, gate valve, or any other type of valve selected with sound engineering judgment, which may be selectively closed or opened in order to permit or restrict the flow of hot steam into the chamber 25.

When the user 29 opens the valve 26, the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe 40 or the hot steam producing device enters the chamber 25. As indicated before, the hot steam enters the chamber 25 at an angle, expands through the chamber 25, and exits the chamber 25 by passing through the plurality of holes 28 located on the cover 27, which has a constricted area related to the chamber 25, creating a venturi effect that increases the speed of the hot steam on the heat conducting conduit 30. The increase in the speed of the hot steam inside the heat conducting conduit 30 helps to deliver the hot steam to the surface 18 near the grate 20.

In one embodiment, the system 10 may include a collecting pipe 62 running below the grates 20. The collecting pipes 62 may collect and transport the melted snow and/or water 12 into storage tanks 60 to prevent the melted snow and ice to overflow the streets. In addition, the collection of the melted snow and/or water into the storage tanks 60 may prevent the water from reaching the rivers that will produce flooding on remote areas. In one embodiment, the collecting pipe 62 may be placed with an inclination towards the storage tanks 60 in order to facilitate the transportation of the melted snow or ice. The water on the storage tanks 60 may be further processed by any known method in the art for human or animal consumption, food preparation, or any other use. For example, the melted snow or water may be decanted and distilled to produce distilled water.

In one embodiment, shown on FIGS. 4A and 4B, the system 10 may include at least one hot steam or hot air dispensing housing 50. Each one of the hot steam or hot air dispensing housing 50 may be placed above a corresponding grate 20 on the surface 18. Each hot steam dispensing housing 50 is connected underneath with the heat conducting conduit 30 and chamber 25 in the same manner previously described.

As can be seen on FIG. 4A-4B, each hot steam dispensing housing 50 may include optionally a lock 52, a steam meter 56, an on/off switch 54 to control the flow of steam, a hose connector 59, hoses 55, and a light indicator 58.

The hoses 55 may be connected onto the hose connector 59 to distribute the hot steam from the heat conducting conduit 30 onto the surface 18. The hose 55 may be made of any heat resistant material known in the art. The hose 55 may include any type of nozzle 65 suitable for spraying the hot steam onto the surface 18. In one embodiment, the nozzle 65 may be a spray nozzle, a drip nozzle, or a directional nozzle.

In one embodiment, the hot steam or hot air dispensing housing 50 may include a pumping device (not shown) for pumping the hot steam from the heat conducting conduit 30 into the hose connector 59. In one embodiment, the pumping device may be an electric pump.

When needed, the user 29 may connect the hoses 55 into the hose connector 59 and then manipulate the on/off switch 54 to release the flow of hot steam going to the hose 55. The user 29 may grab the hose 55 and dispense the hot steam to melt the snow and/or on the surrounding surface 18. The melted snow and water will fall into the collection pipe 62 as previously described.

In one embodiment, the system 10 may include a timer (not shown), which may be operatively communicated with the valve 26 to selectively operate the valve 26 at selected time intervals. In this way, the system 10 may be turned on and off at pre-selected, pre-programmed time intervals. The system 10 may alternatively or additionally be provided with a receiver (not shown) operatively communicated with the valve 26. The receiver may be adapted to receive a signal from a remote transmitter (not shown) that may selectively control the valve 26. In this way, the system 10 may be turned on and off remotely. In an alternative embodiment, the system 10 may be provided with a sensor (not shown), such as a temperature sensor, that may be operatively communicated to the valve 26 to permit selective operation of the valve 26 based on, for example, the outside temperature. In this way, the system may be turned on and off based on selected weather conditions. Other sensors may include motion sensors and ice or water sensors, for example, photoelectric devices.

In addition, the system 10 may be used in connection with any commercially available hot steam or hot air producing device, for example, the boiler networks of houses, buildings, stores, and industries that are already in use for central heating or electricity to remove ice and/or snow from bridges, tunnels, railroads, airports, highways, covered stadiums, parking lots, squares, houses, and parks.

The system 10 provides a way for melting snow and ice, which is easy for maintenance and inspection, and can be operated at a low running cost. The snow and ice can be effectively melted and removed without using chemicals or sprinkling water thereon which pollutes the rivers and seas. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system to remove snow and ice from a surface comprising: a plurality of chambers located underground aligned with a street grate located on the surface; a heat conducting conduit connected to each chamber, each heat conducting conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to the grate; a pipe connected to each chamber, each pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground steam pipe or a pre-existent steam producing device, each heat conducting conduit transports hot steam from the chamber directly onto the grate on the surface; the chamber includes a housing; a cover located on a top end of the housing; a plurality of holes located on the cover; an inlet port located on the housing and in fluid communication to the first end of the pipe; an outlet port located on the housing and connected to the first end of the heat conducting conduit, the outlet port allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the surface; and a valve operatively connected to the housing, the valve is activated by a user to selectively open and close the inlet port to fill out the chamber with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe or the steam producing device; wherein the system is located underground of the surface.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further including a lockable cap covering the valve.
 3. The system according to claim 1, further including a bend on the pipe.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes are placed on the cover forming a pattern that matches a shape of the heat conducting conduit and pattern fitted inside a contour of the heat conducting conduit.
 5. A system to remove snow and ice from a surface comprising: a plurality of chambers located underground aligned with a street grate located on the surface; a heat conducting conduit connected to each chamber, each heat conducting conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to the grate; a pipe connected to each chamber, each pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground steam pipe or a pre-existent steam producing device, each heat conducting conduit transports hot steam from the chamber directly onto the grate on the surface; the chamber includes a housing; a cover located on a top end of the housing; a plurality of holes located on the cover; an inlet port located on the housing and in fluid communication with the first end of the pipe; an outlet port located on the housing and connected to the first end of the heat conducting conduit, the outlet port allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the surface; a valve operatively connected to the housing, the valve is activated by a user to selectively open and close the inlet port to fill out the chamber with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe or the steam producing device; and a collecting pipe running below the grate, the collecting pipes may collect and transport the melted snow and/or water into storage; wherein the system is located underground of the surface.
 6. A system to remove snow and ice from a surface comprising: a plurality of chambers located underground aligned with a street grate located on the surface; a heat conducting conduit connected to each chamber, each heat conducting conduit having a first end in fluid communication with the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to the grate; a pipe connected to each chamber, each pipe having a first end connected to the chamber and a second end adapted to be connected to a pre-existing underground steam pipe or a pre-existent steam producing device, each heat conducting conduit transports hot steam from the chamber directly onto the grate on the surface; the chamber includes a housing; a cover located on a top end of the housing; a plurality of holes located on the cover; an inlet port located on the housing and in fluid communication with the first end of the pipe; an outlet port located on the housing and connected to the first end of the heat conducting conduit, the outlet port allows the hot steam to pass from the chamber and into the heat conducting conduit for deposition onto the surface; a valve operatively connected to the housing, the valve is activated by a user to selectively open and close the inlet port to fill out the chamber with the hot steam circulating through the pre-existing underground steam pipe or the steam producing device; and at least one hot steam dispensing housing, each one of the hot steam dispensing housing is located above the corresponding grate on the surface, each hot steam dispensing housing includes a steam meter, an on/off switch to control the flow of hot steam, a hose connector, hoses, and a light indicator; wherein the hoses connect onto the hose connector to distribute the hot steam from the heat conducting conduit onto the surface; wherein the system is located underground of the surface.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the surface is selected from the group consisting of sidewalks, crosswalks, bridges, roadways, bus stops, parking lots, driveways, and pathways. 